Perfume Genius

Under the name Perfume Genius, American musician Mike Hadreas—born in Des Moines, Iowa, and long based in Seattle—has, since the late 2000s, developed songwriting that sits between indie pop, art pop, and piano balladry. After gaining early visibility online, Perfume Genius released Learning in 2010, notable for its stark, stripped‑down approach, followed by 2012’s Put Your Back N 2 It, which extended that intimate vein while expanding his sonic palette. With Too Bright (2014), his music at times hardened into a tauter, more experimental rock, before turning toward broader, more detailed orchestrations on No Shape (2017), co‑produced with Blake Mills. Set My Heart on Fire Immediately (2020) explores a wide range, from chamber pop to rock and ambient reference points, while Ugly Season (2022) gathers pieces composed for a choreographic project with Kate Wallich, linking the world of Perfume Genius to contemporary dance. The lyrics—often centered on the body, queer identity, and intimate relationships—place him within a North American and European alternative scene, sustained by solo and full‑band tours, occasional collaborations, and a regular presence at festivals.